How can hidden assets be found during property division?

On behalf of Terzich & Ort, LLP posted in Divorce on Friday, September 12, 2014.

Some people think of hiding some of their assets while contemplating an end to their marriage. The person may feel that the property rightfully belongs to them and therefore should not be included in marital property, but the law may not agree and the person may have to face serious consequences.

Secret stock brokerage accounts, investment accounts, safe-deposit boxes and fund transfers to another person are some of the methods used to hide assets during property division, but none of these assets can stay hidden with advanced technology. Browser history, spy software and hidden GPS can enable a spouse to find the whereabouts of these accounts.

A divorce attorney can help a spouse search for this property, since they may have experience with such cases and may know how to uncover the assets. They may also be able to access bank statements and other financial records, which can be used to prove that the person is hiding funds. Sometimes, the documentation or information obtained by the spouse or the attorney won't be admissible in court, but this information may give clues and provide credible evidence.

Because hiding assets is a common strategy during divorce, professionals know how to trace such property. Company benefits websites, account statements and emails can be used to trace retirement accounts, while real estate investments are available on public websites. Once it can be proved that the spouse did not include all assets during property division, he or she may face serious consequences. Minnesota attorneys with experience in complex divorce issues can help people going through divorce to thoroughly check to make sure they are getting the settlement they deserve.

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